President Erdoğan inspected ASELSAN’s national defense systems during the EFES 2026 Exercise. ÇELİKKUBBE and KOCATEPE were deployed in the field for the first time.
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan inspected advanced defense systems developed by ASELSAN as part of the EFES 2026 Exercise conducted under the coordination of the Turkish Armed Forces. During the Distinguished Observer Day held at the Doğanbey Firing Range in Seferihisar, İzmir, ASELSAN General Manager Ahmet Akyol briefed Erdoğan on the national systems actively used in the field.
The EFES 2026 Exercise, held with broad international participation, once again showcased Türkiye’s technological capabilities in its domestic and national defense industry.
Erdoğan: “The Turkish Army Is an Army of Peace and Stability”
Speaking during the exercise, President Erdoğan stated that more than 1,300 military personnel from 50 different countries participated in EFES 2026 and emphasized that the Turkish Armed Forces play a critical role in regional and global peace.
Highlighting that the domestic production initiative in the defense industry has strengthened Türkiye’s deterrence capability, Erdoğan said:
“We are determined to safely guide Türkiye through this challenging process by accelerating our breakthrough moves in the defense industry. All of our national defense industry products showcased at the EFES 2026 Exercise were developed in line with this objective.”
ÇELİKKUBBE System Operated in the Same Scenario for the First Time
One of the most remarkable parts of the exercise was the first-time joint deployment of the components of Türkiye’s layered air defense architecture, ÇELİKKUBBE, within the same operational scenario.
Systems developed by ASELSAN, including:
- SİPER
- HİSAR-A
- HİSAR-O
- KORKUT
- İHTAR
operated in an integrated manner at different altitudes and ranges, demonstrating Türkiye’s air and missile defense capability in the field.
KOCATEPE Battlefield Management System Used for the First Time
ASELSAN’s KOCATEPE Battlefield Management System was also actively used for the first time during EFES 2026. The system attracted attention by providing commanders and units with real-time battlefield management capabilities.
The exercise also featured numerous national systems ranging from electronic warfare systems and command-control infrastructures to electro-optical solutions and communication technologies.
ALTAY Tank and KORKUT System Drew Attention
The new-generation main battle tank ALTAY, which has entered the inventory of the Turkish Armed Forces, also appeared in the field during EFES 2026. It was stated that the ALTAY Tank, equipped with ASELSAN’s critical technologies, has significantly enhanced situational awareness and survivability capabilities.
One of the standout systems of the exercise, the KORKUT 35 Low Altitude Air Defense System, drew attention with its effective day-and-night defense performance against UAV and missile threats.
ASELSAN Systems Became the Center of Attention for Foreign Delegations
Military delegations from friendly and allied countries participating in the exercise closely examined the national defense technologies displayed at the ASELSAN stand. At the Defense Industry Exhibition organized under the coordination of the Presidency of Defense Industries, ASELSAN became one of the most visited companies thanks to its advanced technology solutions.
